What Was Yolanda’s Diagnosis? Has Yolanda Recovered From Lyme?
Yolanda Hadid, former model and star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” has been candid about her battle with Lyme disease since her diagnosis in 2012. Although she is currently in remission, the 57-year-old has no plans of stopping her efforts to raise awareness about the disease.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Yolanda provided an update on her condition and shed light on why she refers to Lyme disease as an “invisible disability.”
“At the moment, I’m doing really well, knock on wood! As you know, there is no known cure for chronic Lyme disease, so being in remission is a blessing I cherish every day,” she shared with the magazine.
Yolanda, who is a mother to three children—Gigi, Bella, and Anwar—revealed that both Bella and Anwar also have Lyme disease. She expressed her and Bella’s commitment to using their platforms to educate the public about the disease.
“We believe in turning our mess into a message. It’s not just about posting selfies on social media; we want to use our voices to advocate for those who can’t be heard. By sharing the more challenging aspects of our lives, we have the power to raise awareness,” Yolanda explained.
Having spent years raising her family on a farm in California, Yolanda isn’t certain when or where she and her two children contracted Lyme disease. However, she acknowledged that their constant outdoor activities likely contributed to their exposure.
Before her diagnosis, Yolanda experienced various symptoms, including brain fog, extreme fatigue, anxiety, migraines, and muscle weakness. Despite these warning signs, she initially hesitated to admit that something was wrong.
“I received early signals from my body, but my type-A personality left little room for vulnerability. I fought to keep up appearances in front of my family and friends. However, as my condition worsened, I could no longer deny the truth,” she shared.
In 2019, Yolanda revealed to People magazine that her Lyme disease was in remission, and in her Vogue interview, she described her decade-long journey as an “absolute nightmare.” Nevertheless, the diagnosis taught her valuable life lessons.
“My ‘new normal’ is slower and more in tune with who I am. I’ve learned to embrace my authentic self, imperfections and all. I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend on this planet with my family and friends. Looking back, I realize that those challenging times in my life were blessings in disguise,” she said.
Yolanda emphasized that many people suffering from Lyme disease silently endure its effects, and she stressed that it is an “invisible disability.”
“Like other chronic diseases and mental health issues, the unfortunate reality is that you may appear healthy on the outside, making it difficult for others to understand. It’s easier for people to show compassion when they can see external symptoms. Most people still struggle to acknowledge the existence of chronic Lyme disease. As the saying goes, ‘You don’t truly understand until you experience it yourself.’”
Reflecting on the years of pain and despair, Yolanda admitted feeling hopeless at times. However, she credits her children for giving her the strength to persevere.
“This disease brought me to my knees. Many nights, I wished for death and prayed to be free from the pain. If it weren’t for my children, I don’t think I would be here today,” she revealed.
Yolanda’s journey with Lyme disease serves as a testament to her resilience and determination. Through her advocacy and openness, she continues to shed light on the challenges faced by those living with the illness and reminds us all to have compassion and understanding for invisible disabilities.